EP3719691A1 - Method, system and device for monitoring and labelling biological and pharmaceutical products - Google Patents

Method, system and device for monitoring and labelling biological and pharmaceutical products Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3719691A1
EP3719691A1 EP19382240.0A EP19382240A EP3719691A1 EP 3719691 A1 EP3719691 A1 EP 3719691A1 EP 19382240 A EP19382240 A EP 19382240A EP 3719691 A1 EP3719691 A1 EP 3719691A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
information
optical
tag
rfid tag
biological
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP19382240.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Aida AGEA MERINO
Antoni MENA
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
AT Biotech Traceability Information Systems SL
Original Assignee
AT Biotech Traceability Information Systems SL
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by AT Biotech Traceability Information Systems SL filed Critical AT Biotech Traceability Information Systems SL
Priority to EP19382240.0A priority Critical patent/EP3719691A1/en
Priority to ES20717560T priority patent/ES2927585T3/en
Priority to EP20717560.5A priority patent/EP3948643B1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2020/058424 priority patent/WO2020200975A1/en
Publication of EP3719691A1 publication Critical patent/EP3719691A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/0004Hybrid readers
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K17/00Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
    • G06K17/0022Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations arrangements or provisious for transferring data to distant stations, e.g. from a sensing device
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/10Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
    • G06K7/10544Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum
    • G06K7/10821Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum further details of bar or optical code scanning devices
    • G06K7/10881Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum further details of bar or optical code scanning devices constructional details of hand-held scanners
    • G06K7/1091Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum further details of bar or optical code scanning devices constructional details of hand-held scanners means to wake up the scanner from a sleep mode, e.g. using an acceleration sensor indicating that the scanner is being picked up by a user

Definitions

  • the invention generally relates to management and label systems and methods.
  • the invention relates to a method, system and device for monitoring and labelling biological and pharmaceutical products.
  • Biological materials, medicines and pharmaceutical products used in healthcare require to be clearly identified and traceable from their origin (manufacturer or biological donor) until their final destination or use, in order to avoid medical or health hazards due to incompatibility of a patient with certain drugs or a biological specimen from a donor, as well as to be able to trace a product if a problem has been detected or else it has been mislaid.
  • the industry uses labels that can combine descriptive and detailed text or data mixed with one or more barcodes (or other data matrix) as identifiers and/or descriptors.
  • the barcodes can be read one by one with electronic readers that need to be placed very close to the label.
  • the process of reading said labels is not always reliable and/or efficient in certain situations, such as: when the label is wet or frozen, when the label has deteriorated or when the label has been mislaid, which means that the biological or pharmaceutical product cannot be properly identified until a manual action or corrective measure has been performed.
  • RFID tags are electronic sensors with an identification number that can store additional information in its internal memory. Furthermore, RFID tags can be read at a variable distance using wireless radio frequency communication networks, which means that reading one or more RFID tags can be done without manual handling, and therefore they are increasingly used to increase productivity in manufacturing and distribution industries.
  • the RFID tag is placed redundantly with a physical readable data matrix label, such as a barcode, wherein both elements store, at least, part of the same information, so that a product can still be monitored and/or traced in the event of one of the labels being damaged.
  • a physical readable data matrix label such as a barcode
  • US 7158030-B2 discloses a medication tracking and/or medical assistance device and method comprising an RFID tag coder for reading from and/or writing to an RFID tag.
  • a processor and a memory process information read from an RFID tag to provide a message based thereon by a visual and/or an audible message.
  • US 20060032923-A1 provides a system for dispensing pharmaceuticals or other material dispensed in prepackaged containers.
  • the container includes a symbol such as a barcode to identify the contents of the container.
  • the system uses a label having a first portion having an outer edge and a second portion that extends out from one side and above the top of the first portion.
  • the second portion includes an indicium such as a barcode that is printed on the second portion that describes the desired contents of a container on which the label is intended.
  • the symbol and the indicium are electronically read after the label is affixed to the container to determine if the label is on a container having the identified contents.
  • US 7114654-B2 discloses an RFID encoder that is used in conjunction with a barcode print.
  • the RFID encoder utilizes information obtained from a data stream from a host computer, from a corresponding barcode label, or other source to program an RFID label.
  • the programmed label can then be applied with an integrated applicator or an external applicator.
  • the RFID encoder can also verify that an RFID tag or label has been properly encoded and has the same content as the corresponding barcode label.
  • the RFID can further verify that the barcode has been properly printed. If both barcode and RFID tag contain the correct data, both types of labels are attached to a package, enabling the package to be read optically and with radio frequency signals.
  • present invention proposes according to an aspect a method for monitoring and labelling biological and pharmaceutical products.
  • the method comprises reading an optical tag and a RFID tag attached to a biological or pharmaceutical product via a device, which includes an optical reader (e.g. a camera) with computer vision capabilities (e.g. a computer vision software/program) and a RFID reader.
  • the optical tag and the RFID tag include information about said biological or pharmaceutical product.
  • the method also records the information read from both tags in the RFID tag or in an external database (or memory); compares the information read from both tags, determining if the information at least partially coincides; and emits a first indication signal if the information coincides or a second indication signal if the information does not coincide.
  • a processor implements an algorithm that determines whether all of the information or only part of the information included in the optical tag must be compared with the information included in the RFID tag.
  • the processor may also implement an algorithm that further determines whether additional information included in the optical tag has to be added to the RFID tag and/or if additional information included in said external database should be added to the RFID tag.
  • the information included in the optical tag and the RFID tag may comprise a unique identifier and at least one or more of: patient name, blood type, medical history, product information, dosage, traceability data, prescription, product control data, or a combination thereof, among others.
  • the optical tag may be a barcode, a data matrix, an image or a pictogram, among others.
  • the RFID reader upon reception of a signal including information from the optical tag further modifies, overwrites or includes information from the optical tag with the information already included in the RFID tag.
  • the RFID reader upon reception of a signal including information from said external database further modifies, overwrites or includes information from the external database with the information already included in the RFID tag.
  • said reading is performed simultaneously during labeling of the biological or pharmaceutical product.
  • the reading of the optical tag and of the RFID tag can be simultaneously performed.
  • the first and second indication signals can be optical and/or acoustic signals. Particularly, the two signals are different, thus it is easier for a user to recognize if the information matches or not.
  • present invention also provides a system for monitoring and labelling biological and pharmaceutical products.
  • the proposed system comprises a device that includes an optical reader such as a camera with computer vision capabilities and a RFID reader, and a computing system operatively connected to the device and including a memory and at least one processor.
  • the device is configured to read an optical tag and a RFID tag attached to a biological or pharmaceutical product, wherein the information read from both tags is recorded in the RFID tag or in an external database.
  • the processor is configured to implement one or more algorithms to determine whether all of the information or only part of the information included in the optical tag must be compared with the information included in the RFID tag, determining if the information at least partially coincides, and emit a first indication signal if the information coincides or a second indication signal if the information does not coincide; and/or determine whether additional information included in the optical tag has to be added to the RFID tag and/or if additional information included in said external database should be added to the RFID tag.
  • present invention also provides a device for monitoring and labelling biological and pharmaceutical products, comprising an optical reader with computer vision capabilities configured to read an optical tag attached to a biological or pharmaceutical product; a RFID reader configured to read a RFID tag attached to said biological or pharmaceutical product, said optical tag and said RFID tag including data about said biological or pharmaceutical product; and a processing unit configured to implement one or more algorithms to determine whether all of the information or only part of the information included in the optical tag must be compared with the information included in the RFID tag and to determine if the information at least partially coincides, emitting a first indication signal if the information coincides or a second indication signal if the information does not coincide; and/or to determine whether additional information included in the optical tag has to be added to the RFID tag and/or if additional information included in said external database should be added to the RFID tag.
  • the device also has a counter support to hold the biological or pharmaceutical product.
  • the device may also have a motion sensor to detect when the biological or pharmaceutical product is placed on said counter support, so the monitoring process can start autonomously and automatically upon said detection is made.
  • the present invention discloses a method for automating the monitoring of biological and pharmaceutical products during their transport by means of labelling said products (blood components, muscle tissues, organs, medicines, drugs, etc.) with RFID tags and a multi-barcode or other equivalent readable data matrix label.
  • the present invention provides a method capable of reading a multi-barcode or data matrix label attached to a product and to record that information read in a RFID tag, and capable of verifying that the information in the multi-barcode or data matrix label is already stored in the RFID tag (to be used as a redundancy checkpoint).
  • an optical tag e.g. a barcode, a data matrix, an image, a pictogram, etc.
  • a RFID tag attached to a biological or pharmaceutical product such as blood components, muscle tissues, organs, medicines, drugs, etc.
  • the optical tag and the RFID tag may have associated thereto a unique identifier and data about the biological or pharmaceutical product, for example a patient name, blood type, medical history, product information, dosage, traceability data, prescription, product control data, etc.
  • the information read from the tags is recorded either in the RFID tag or in an external database.
  • the information read from both tags is compared by a processor.
  • An algorithm or software determines whether all or only part of the information included in the optical tag must be compared with the information included in the RFID tag. The result of the comparison determines if the compared information coincides or not. If the information coincides, a first optical and/or acoustic signal (step 105) is emitted. On the contrary, if the information does not coincide, a second optical and/or acoustic signal (step 106), preferably different to the first indication signal, is emitted. For example, LEDS and/or a code of colors can be used to indicate the coincidence or not coincidence of the compared information. An audible alarm could be equally used.
  • an algorithm or software implemented/executed in the processor further determines, step 207, whether additional information included in the optical tag has to be added to the RFID tag and/or if additional information included in said external database should be added to the RFID tag.
  • steps 205/206 and 207 it is possible to perform stages 205/206 and 207 in reverse order. That is, first it can be decided that additional information has to be added to the RFID tag and then the indication showing that the compared information coincides or not be emitted.
  • the cited processor can be included in a computing system (e.g. a PC, a cloud server, a smartphone, etc.) remote to the device and connected to the latter, either wirelessly or by cable, or can be included in the device itself. That is, in this latter case the device itself includes a processing unit to execute/perform the different method steps. In either case, a user interface can show the details of the different processes executed.
  • a computing system e.g. a PC, a cloud server, a smartphone, etc.
  • the reading of the optical tag and of the RFID tag can be performed simultaneously or one after the other.
  • the device (not shown in the figures) as indicated above includes an optical reader, for example a camera (digital or analogic having a digital converter), with computer vision capabilities, and a RFID reader.
  • the optical reader is capable of capturing both text and barcodes (or data matrix) from the optical tag.
  • the computer vision capabilities for example implemented as computer vision software, allow the identification of the pixels in an image taken by the optical reader as barcodes or text and to perform a digital conversion of that data.
  • the RFID reader is able to read and write information on/from the RFID tag.
  • the RFID operates under the ITU RFID standard and range of frequencies.
  • the device also includes a counter support (e.g. a flat surface) to hold the labelled biological or pharmaceutical product.
  • the device can also has an arm to hold the optical reader at a distance from the counter support, in a perpendicular position from the surface of the counter from which the whole surface (or a part of it) can be captured.
  • the counter support may have a line of LED lights to show the extension of the surface that is inside the optical reader focus.
  • the device may also include a motion sensor to detect when the product has been placed in the counter support, so the different cited processes start autonomously and automatically.
  • the communication between the RFID reader and motion sensor is preferably wireless.
  • the device includes also a power supply unit or batteries for power feeding thereof and may also include other networking components such as cables, software, wireless router, etc. that allow the device to communicate with the remote computing system, sending and receiving information or a sequence of commands.
  • the cited user interface which can be included in the remote computing system or in the device itself, provides a configuration panel allowing a user to apply the following restrictions:

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AREA)
  • Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)
  • Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)

Abstract

A method, a system and a device for monitoring and labelling biological and pharmaceutical products are provided. The method comprises reading an optical tag and a RFID tag attached to a biological or pharmaceutical product via a device including an optical reader with computer vision capabilities and a RFID reader, and recording the information read in the RFID tag or in an external database. A comparison of the information read is performed, determining if the information of both tags coincides, emitting indication signals if the information coincides or not. An algorithm can determine whether all or only part of the information included in the optical tag must be compared with the information included in the RFID tag. Likewise, an algorithm can determine whether additional information included in the optical tag has to be added to the RFID tag and/or if additional information included in said external database should be added to the RFID tag.

Description

    Technical field
  • The invention generally relates to management and label systems and methods. In particular, the invention relates to a method, system and device for monitoring and labelling biological and pharmaceutical products.
  • Background of the Invention
  • Biological materials, medicines and pharmaceutical products used in healthcare require to be clearly identified and traceable from their origin (manufacturer or biological donor) until their final destination or use, in order to avoid medical or health hazards due to incompatibility of a patient with certain drugs or a biological specimen from a donor, as well as to be able to trace a product if a problem has been detected or else it has been mislaid.
  • That usually implies that every element must be controlled univocally, so it is usually enclosed in plastic bags, bottles or other many kinds of containers depending on its physical properties, nature and storage needs. To identify univocally every element, an identification label is usually linked to it.
  • The industry uses labels that can combine descriptive and detailed text or data mixed with one or more barcodes (or other data matrix) as identifiers and/or descriptors. The barcodes can be read one by one with electronic readers that need to be placed very close to the label.
  • However, the process of reading said labels is not always reliable and/or efficient in certain situations, such as: when the label is wet or frozen, when the label has deteriorated or when the label has been mislaid, which means that the biological or pharmaceutical product cannot be properly identified until a manual action or corrective measure has been performed.
  • In order to avoid said issues, the use of Radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags has increased substantially. RFID tags are electronic sensors with an identification number that can store additional information in its internal memory. Furthermore, RFID tags can be read at a variable distance using wireless radio frequency communication networks, which means that reading one or more RFID tags can be done without manual handling, and therefore they are increasingly used to increase productivity in manufacturing and distribution industries.
  • In general, the RFID tag is placed redundantly with a physical readable data matrix label, such as a barcode, wherein both elements store, at least, part of the same information, so that a product can still be monitored and/or traced in the event of one of the labels being damaged.
  • There are known some patents and patent application in the field.
  • For example, US 7158030-B2 discloses a medication tracking and/or medical assistance device and method comprising an RFID tag coder for reading from and/or writing to an RFID tag. A processor and a memory process information read from an RFID tag to provide a message based thereon by a visual and/or an audible message.
  • US 20060032923-A1 provides a system for dispensing pharmaceuticals or other material dispensed in prepackaged containers. The container includes a symbol such as a barcode to identify the contents of the container. The system uses a label having a first portion having an outer edge and a second portion that extends out from one side and above the top of the first portion. The second portion includes an indicium such as a barcode that is printed on the second portion that describes the desired contents of a container on which the label is intended. The symbol and the indicium are electronically read after the label is affixed to the container to determine if the label is on a container having the identified contents.
  • US 7114654-B2 discloses an RFID encoder that is used in conjunction with a barcode print. The RFID encoder utilizes information obtained from a data stream from a host computer, from a corresponding barcode label, or other source to program an RFID label. The programmed label can then be applied with an integrated applicator or an external applicator. The RFID encoder can also verify that an RFID tag or label has been properly encoded and has the same content as the corresponding barcode label. The RFID can further verify that the barcode has been properly printed. If both barcode and RFID tag contain the correct data, both types of labels are attached to a package, enabling the package to be read optically and with radio frequency signals.
  • Accordingly, there is a need for new methods, systems and devices for monitoring and labelling biological and pharmaceutical products.
  • Description of the Invention
  • To that end, present invention proposes according to an aspect a method for monitoring and labelling biological and pharmaceutical products. The method comprises reading an optical tag and a RFID tag attached to a biological or pharmaceutical product via a device, which includes an optical reader (e.g. a camera) with computer vision capabilities (e.g. a computer vision software/program) and a RFID reader. The optical tag and the RFID tag include information about said biological or pharmaceutical product.
  • The method also records the information read from both tags in the RFID tag or in an external database (or memory); compares the information read from both tags, determining if the information at least partially coincides; and emits a first indication signal if the information coincides or a second indication signal if the information does not coincide.
  • According to the proposed method, a processor implements an algorithm that determines whether all of the information or only part of the information included in the optical tag must be compared with the information included in the RFID tag.
  • Alternatively or complementarily, the processor may also implement an algorithm that further determines whether additional information included in the optical tag has to be added to the RFID tag and/or if additional information included in said external database should be added to the RFID tag.
  • According to the present invention, the information included in the optical tag and the RFID tag may comprise a unique identifier and at least one or more of: patient name, blood type, medical history, product information, dosage, traceability data, prescription, product control data, or a combination thereof, among others.
  • The optical tag may be a barcode, a data matrix, an image or a pictogram, among others.
  • In an embodiment, the RFID reader upon reception of a signal including information from the optical tag further modifies, overwrites or includes information from the optical tag with the information already included in the RFID tag.
  • In another embodiment, the RFID reader upon reception of a signal including information from said external database further modifies, overwrites or includes information from the external database with the information already included in the RFID tag.
  • In an embodiment, said reading is performed simultaneously during labeling of the biological or pharmaceutical product. Likewise, the reading of the optical tag and of the RFID tag can be simultaneously performed.
  • The first and second indication signals can be optical and/or acoustic signals. Particularly, the two signals are different, thus it is easier for a user to recognize if the information matches or not.
  • According to another aspect, present invention also provides a system for monitoring and labelling biological and pharmaceutical products. The proposed system comprises a device that includes an optical reader such as a camera with computer vision capabilities and a RFID reader, and a computing system operatively connected to the device and including a memory and at least one processor.
  • According to the proposed system, the device is configured to read an optical tag and a RFID tag attached to a biological or pharmaceutical product, wherein the information read from both tags is recorded in the RFID tag or in an external database.
  • The processor is configured to implement one or more algorithms to determine whether all of the information or only part of the information included in the optical tag must be compared with the information included in the RFID tag, determining if the information at least partially coincides, and emit a first indication signal if the information coincides or a second indication signal if the information does not coincide; and/or determine whether additional information included in the optical tag has to be added to the RFID tag and/or if additional information included in said external database should be added to the RFID tag.
  • In yet another aspect, present invention also provides a device for monitoring and labelling biological and pharmaceutical products, comprising an optical reader with computer vision capabilities configured to read an optical tag attached to a biological or pharmaceutical product; a RFID reader configured to read a RFID tag attached to said biological or pharmaceutical product, said optical tag and said RFID tag including data about said biological or pharmaceutical product; and a processing unit configured to implement one or more algorithms to determine whether all of the information or only part of the information included in the optical tag must be compared with the information included in the RFID tag and to determine if the information at least partially coincides, emitting a first indication signal if the information coincides or a second indication signal if the information does not coincide; and/or to determine whether additional information included in the optical tag has to be added to the RFID tag and/or if additional information included in said external database should be added to the RFID tag.
  • In a particular embodiment, the device also has a counter support to hold the biological or pharmaceutical product. Moreover, the device may also have a motion sensor to detect when the biological or pharmaceutical product is placed on said counter support, so the monitoring process can start autonomously and automatically upon said detection is made.
  • Thus, the present invention discloses a method for automating the monitoring of biological and pharmaceutical products during their transport by means of labelling said products (blood components, muscle tissues, organs, medicines, drugs, etc.) with RFID tags and a multi-barcode or other equivalent readable data matrix label.
  • Furthermore, the present invention provides a method capable of reading a multi-barcode or data matrix label attached to a product and to record that information read in a RFID tag, and capable of verifying that the information in the multi-barcode or data matrix label is already stored in the RFID tag (to be used as a redundancy checkpoint).
  • Other features of the invention appear from the following detailed description of the invention.
  • Brief description of the Drawings
  • The foregoing and other advantages and features will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, to be taken in an illustrative and not limitative, in which:
    • Fig. 1 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for monitoring and labelling biological and pharmaceutical products.
    • Fig. 2 is a flow chart illustrating another embodiment of a method for monitoring and labelling biological and pharmaceutical products.
    Detailed Description of the Invention
  • With reference to Fig. 1 therein it is illustrated a first embodiment of the proposed method. According to this embodiment, at step 101, an optical tag (e.g. a barcode, a data matrix, an image, a pictogram, etc.) and a RFID tag attached to a biological or pharmaceutical product such as blood components, muscle tissues, organs, medicines, drugs, etc. are read via a device including an optical reader with computer vision capabilities and a RFID reader. The optical tag and the RFID tag may have associated thereto a unique identifier and data about the biological or pharmaceutical product, for example a patient name, blood type, medical history, product information, dosage, traceability data, prescription, product control data, etc. At step 102, the information read from the tags is recorded either in the RFID tag or in an external database. Then, at step 103, the information read from both tags is compared by a processor. An algorithm or software in this case determines whether all or only part of the information included in the optical tag must be compared with the information included in the RFID tag. The result of the comparison determines if the compared information coincides or not. If the information coincides, a first optical and/or acoustic signal (step 105) is emitted. On the contrary, if the information does not coincide, a second optical and/or acoustic signal (step 106), preferably different to the first indication signal, is emitted. For example, LEDS and/or a code of colors can be used to indicate the coincidence or not coincidence of the compared information. An audible alarm could be equally used.
  • With reference to Fig. 2 therein it is illustrated a second embodiment of the proposed method. In this case, different to the first embodiment, an algorithm or software implemented/executed in the processor further determines, step 207, whether additional information included in the optical tag has to be added to the RFID tag and/or if additional information included in said external database should be added to the RFID tag. In this embodiment, it is possible to perform stages 205/206 and 207 in reverse order. That is, first it can be decided that additional information has to be added to the RFID tag and then the indication showing that the compared information coincides or not be emitted.
  • It should be noted that both embodiments described above could be complementary to each other. That is, the proposed method can perform the different steps indicated in each of the above described embodiments.
  • The cited processor can be included in a computing system (e.g. a PC, a cloud server, a smartphone, etc.) remote to the device and connected to the latter, either wirelessly or by cable, or can be included in the device itself. That is, in this latter case the device itself includes a processing unit to execute/perform the different method steps. In either case, a user interface can show the details of the different processes executed.
  • In any of the described embodiments, the reading of the optical tag and of the RFID tag can be performed simultaneously or one after the other.
  • The device (not shown in the figures) as indicated above includes an optical reader, for example a camera (digital or analogic having a digital converter), with computer vision capabilities, and a RFID reader. The optical reader is capable of capturing both text and barcodes (or data matrix) from the optical tag. The computer vision capabilities, for example implemented as computer vision software, allow the identification of the pixels in an image taken by the optical reader as barcodes or text and to perform a digital conversion of that data. The RFID reader is able to read and write information on/from the RFID tag. The RFID operates under the ITU RFID standard and range of frequencies.
  • Particularly, the device also includes a counter support (e.g. a flat surface) to hold the labelled biological or pharmaceutical product. The device can also has an arm to hold the optical reader at a distance from the counter support, in a perpendicular position from the surface of the counter from which the whole surface (or a part of it) can be captured. Optionally, the counter support may have a line of LED lights to show the extension of the surface that is inside the optical reader focus.
  • The device may also include a motion sensor to detect when the product has been placed in the counter support, so the different cited processes start autonomously and automatically. The communication between the RFID reader and motion sensor is preferably wireless.
  • The device includes also a power supply unit or batteries for power feeding thereof and may also include other networking components such as cables, software, wireless router, etc. that allow the device to communicate with the remote computing system, sending and receiving information or a sequence of commands.
  • The cited user interface, which can be included in the remote computing system or in the device itself, provides a configuration panel allowing a user to apply the following restrictions:
    1. i. Selection of information: the user can decide to write or validate part of the information in the optical tag (i.e. just one barcode out of several, the information placed in the upper corner of the optical tag, etc.).
    2. ii. Writing: the user can transform and code some information in the optical tag or simply add new information in the memory of the RFID tag (i.e. if the word "infected" is written with words on the optical tag, a bit in a certain position of the memory of the RFID tag is set to "1").
    3. iii. Field Selection (in the RFID tag): the user can decide if the operation (validation or writing) is to be applied on the total extension of the memory or to some positions. In the case of writing, the new information can optionally overwrite previous existing information stored in the selected part of the memory or the memory can be totally erased before writing.
  • The above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely meant to be illustrative and not limiting. It will thus be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the following claims include all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of this invention.

Claims (15)

  1. A method for monitoring and labelling biological and pharmaceutical products, the method comprising:
    - reading an optical tag and a RFID tag attached to a biological or pharmaceutical product via a device including an optical reader with computer vision capabilities and a RFID reader, said optical tag and said RFID tag including information about said biological or pharmaceutical product; and
    - recording the information read from both tags in the RFID tag or in an external database;
    - comparing, by a processor, the information read from both tags and determining if the compared information at least partially coincides; and
    - emitting a first indication signal if the information coincides or a second indication signal if the information does not coincide;
    characterized in that:
    - in said comparison step, said processor determines whether all of the information or only part of the information included in the optical tag must be compared with the information included in the RFID tag; and/or
    - the method further comprises determining, by the processor, whether additional information included in the optical tag has to be added to the RFID tag and/or if additional information included in said external database should be added to the RFID tag.
  2. The method of claim 1, wherein the information included in the optical tag and the RFID tag comprises a unique identifier and at least one or more of: patient name, blood type, medical history, product information, dosage, traceability data, prescription, product control data, or a combination thereof.
  3. The method of claim 1, wherein the RFID reader upon reception of a signal including information from the optical tag further modifies, overwrites or includes information from the optical tag with the information already included in the RFID tag.
  4. The method of claim 1, wherein the RFID reader upon reception of a signal including information from said external database further modifies, overwrites or includes information from the external database with the information already included in the RFID tag.
  5. The method of the previous claims, wherein it is implemented simultaneously during labeling of the biological or pharmaceutical product.
  6. The method of the previous claims, wherein the optical tag comprises a barcode, a data matrix or a pictogram.
  7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first indication signal is an optical and/or an acoustic signal and the second indication signal is an optical and/or an acoustic signal.
  8. The method of claim 1 or 7, wherein the first indication signal and the second indication signal are different.
  9. The method of claim 1, wherein the reading of the optical tag and of the RFID tag is performed simultaneously.
  10. A system for monitoring and labelling biological and pharmaceutical products, comprising:
    - a device including an optical reader with computer vision capabilities and a RFID reader, said device being configured to:
    - read an optical tag and a RFID tag attached to a biological or pharmaceutical product, said optical tag and said RFID tag including information about said biological or pharmaceutical product; and
    - record the information read from both tags in the RFID tag or in an external database; and
    - a computing system operatively connected to the device, said computing system including a memory and at least one processor,
    wherein said processor being configured to:
    - determine whether all of the information or only part of the information included in the optical tag must be compared with the information included in the RFID tag, determine if the information at least partially coincides, and emit a first indication signal if the information coincides or a second indication signal if the information does not coincide; and/or
    - determine whether additional information included in the optical tag has to be added to the RFID tag and/or if additional information included in said external database should be added to the RFID tag.
  11. The system of claim 10, wherein the device further comprises a counter support configured to hold the biological or pharmaceutical product and a motion sensor configured to detect when the biological or pharmaceutical product is placed on said counter support.
  12. The system of claim 10, wherein the first indication signal is an optical and/or an acoustic signal and the second indication signal is an optical and/or an acoustic signal.
  13. A device for monitoring and labelling biological and pharmaceutical products, comprising:
    - an optical reader with computer vision capabilities configured to read an optical tag attached to a biological or pharmaceutical product;
    - a RFID reader configured to read a RFID tag attached to said biological or pharmaceutical product,
    said optical tag and said RFID tag including information about said biological or pharmaceutical product, and
    the device being configured to record the information read from both tags in the RFID tag or in an external database; and
    - a processing unit configured to:
    - determine whether all of the information or only part of the information included in the optical tag must be compared with the information included in the RFID tag, determine if the information at least partially coincides, and emit a first indication signal if the information coincides or a second indication signal if the information does not coincide; and/or
    - determine whether additional information included in the optical tag has to be added to the RFID tag and/or if additional information included in said external database should be added to the RFID tag.
  14. The device of claim 13, further comprising a counter support configured to hold the biological or pharmaceutical product and a motion sensor configured to detect when the biological or pharmaceutical product is placed on said counter support.
  15. The system of claim 13 or 14, wherein the first indication signal is an optical and/or an acoustic signal and the second indication signal is an optical and/or an acoustic signal.
EP19382240.0A 2019-04-02 2019-04-02 Method, system and device for monitoring and labelling biological and pharmaceutical products Withdrawn EP3719691A1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19382240.0A EP3719691A1 (en) 2019-04-02 2019-04-02 Method, system and device for monitoring and labelling biological and pharmaceutical products
ES20717560T ES2927585T3 (en) 2019-04-02 2020-03-25 Procedure, system and device for monitoring and labeling biological and pharmaceutical products
EP20717560.5A EP3948643B1 (en) 2019-04-02 2020-03-25 Method, system and device for monitoring and labelling biological and pharmaceutical products
PCT/EP2020/058424 WO2020200975A1 (en) 2019-04-02 2020-03-25 Method, system and device for monitoring and labelling biological and pharmaceutical products

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19382240.0A EP3719691A1 (en) 2019-04-02 2019-04-02 Method, system and device for monitoring and labelling biological and pharmaceutical products

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3719691A1 true EP3719691A1 (en) 2020-10-07

Family

ID=66323796

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19382240.0A Withdrawn EP3719691A1 (en) 2019-04-02 2019-04-02 Method, system and device for monitoring and labelling biological and pharmaceutical products
EP20717560.5A Active EP3948643B1 (en) 2019-04-02 2020-03-25 Method, system and device for monitoring and labelling biological and pharmaceutical products

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20717560.5A Active EP3948643B1 (en) 2019-04-02 2020-03-25 Method, system and device for monitoring and labelling biological and pharmaceutical products

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (2) EP3719691A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2927585T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2020200975A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102021120340A1 (en) * 2021-08-04 2023-02-09 Aesculap Ag Smart Port - Multifunctional reader/identification device in the sterile goods cycle

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6371375B1 (en) * 1995-09-25 2002-04-16 Intermec Ip Corp. Method and apparatus for associating data with a wireless memory device
US6830181B1 (en) * 1998-02-09 2004-12-14 Intermec Ip Corp. Combined optical and radio frequency tag reader
US20060032923A1 (en) 2001-01-12 2006-02-16 Allscripts, Inc. Label and method of using the label to fill containers
US7114654B2 (en) 2004-04-15 2006-10-03 Printronix RFID encoder and verifier
US7158030B2 (en) 2001-09-19 2007-01-02 Avante International Technology Medical assistance and tracking system and method employing smart tags
US20130221099A1 (en) * 2012-02-27 2013-08-29 Casio Computer Co., Ltd. Information processing device, information processing method and computer readable storage medium

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7772964B2 (en) * 2006-01-30 2010-08-10 Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. Systems and methods for automated programming of RFID tags using machine readable indicia

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6371375B1 (en) * 1995-09-25 2002-04-16 Intermec Ip Corp. Method and apparatus for associating data with a wireless memory device
US6830181B1 (en) * 1998-02-09 2004-12-14 Intermec Ip Corp. Combined optical and radio frequency tag reader
US20060032923A1 (en) 2001-01-12 2006-02-16 Allscripts, Inc. Label and method of using the label to fill containers
US7158030B2 (en) 2001-09-19 2007-01-02 Avante International Technology Medical assistance and tracking system and method employing smart tags
US7114654B2 (en) 2004-04-15 2006-10-03 Printronix RFID encoder and verifier
US20130221099A1 (en) * 2012-02-27 2013-08-29 Casio Computer Co., Ltd. Information processing device, information processing method and computer readable storage medium

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2020200975A1 (en) 2020-10-08
EP3948643B1 (en) 2022-06-22
ES2927585T3 (en) 2022-11-08
EP3948643A1 (en) 2022-02-09

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7360714B2 (en) Label and RFID tag issuing apparatus
US10282967B2 (en) Time-temperature tracking label
US10290368B2 (en) Bulk encoding medical items with wireless identification
US7492257B2 (en) Systems and methods for processing surgical instrument tray shipping totes
KR100826877B1 (en) RFID tag with LED and RF identification managing method using the same
US7772964B2 (en) Systems and methods for automated programming of RFID tags using machine readable indicia
US20060043177A1 (en) Automated pass-through surgical instrument tray reader
US8970380B2 (en) System and method for verifying patient compliance
US8165892B2 (en) Monitoring drug packaging in clinical trial process
EP3948643B1 (en) Method, system and device for monitoring and labelling biological and pharmaceutical products
US7496521B1 (en) Prescription order identification system
CN102592051A (en) Medicine circulation management system based on electronic tag and realizing method thereof
US20110115631A1 (en) Electronic Label, Method for Monitoring Products and Method for Data Communication
EP3839798A1 (en) Systems and methods for encoding and decoding data
US20160264275A1 (en) Systems and methods for packaging instruments
CN109389192A (en) A kind of art work authentication method based on RFID coding
CN111222814A (en) Novel warehouse checking method and system capable of correcting errors
US20140180476A1 (en) Method, apparatus, and computer program product for the dispensing and identification of medication
US20220354743A1 (en) Home stock management system
JP4430012B2 (en) Automatic reading device for label information
CN111832989B (en) Object tracking system and tracking method thereof
US20140266581A1 (en) Modular smart label data transmission systems for applied end-user optimization
KR20230138694A (en) System and method for automatic asset management based on RFID label
US20210158953A1 (en) System with a smart filtration and/or diffusion device
EP3761244A1 (en) Home stock management system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20210408